Jacquelyn Hamilton of Rehoboth receives Coast Guard commendation

Members of the Delaware River and Bay Lighthouse Foundation traveled to Philadelphia March 14 to witness the United States Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay present a Public Service Commendation to Jacquelyn Hamilton of Rehoboth Beach. Capt. Ben Cooper, head of Sector Delaware Bay; Lt. James Berry; and U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester presented the award. 

While serving as first mate aboard the 60-foot fishing charter vessel Angler June 11, 2016, Hamilton unexpectedly offered support to the mission of search and rescue. During a sunset cruise off the coast of Lewes, with 39 passengers aboard, an elderly female passenger began to have fainting spells, eventually leading to loss of consciousness. Hamilton immediately recognized her distress, quickly assessed the situation and without hesitation began rendering assistance to the ill passenger.

Advising the captain to return to port, Hamilton immediately initiated CPR. The patient regained consciousness as a result of CPR rendered by Hamilton, and was delivered to waiting emergency medical services. The commendation reads, “Hamilton's determined efforts, outstanding initiative and fortitude during this rescue resulted in saving a woman's life. Her unselfish actions and valiant service reflect great credit upon herself and are in keeping with the highest tradition of humanitarian service.”

Other individuals who helped with the rescue are Capt. Chris Ragni, Isabella Capozio, Barb Moulinier and Red Moulinier.